Abbie Robeson, a special education teacher at Beaverdam Elementary School, has been selected as the 2020-21 Hanover County Public Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year.
“For me, receiving this recognition is the light at the end of tunnel,” Robeson said. “Through all of the unknowns, changes, tears and laughter, this allows me to believe that I have made a positive impact on someone else's life this year.”
A career-switcher who started in sales before transitioning to education, Robeson has especially enjoyed greeting students in the morning.
“I love seeing the excitement in their faces and listening to them share stories about things that happened at home,” said Robeson, a Virginia Commonwealth University alumna. “I love being able to share that excitement each day.”
Dr. Michael Gill, Superintendent of Schools, greeted Mrs. Robeson outside BES on Wednesday, April 28 to share the exciting news alongside co-workers and family members.
“Starting a new career in education in the midst of a global pandemic requires a lot of determination, resiliency, and grit,” said BES Principal Dr. Glynda Smith. “Abbie Robeson demonstrated all of these amazing qualities this year. She naturally put our students in the forefront and worked to ensure they were successful.”
Each year, the division selects one new teacher for this distinguished award who exhibits several qualities, such as: being inspirational, poised, articulate, and knowledgeable; exceptionally skilled and dedicated; respected and admired by students, parents, and colleagues; and actively and meaningfully involved in their school and community.